AFGHAN AL QAEDA CHIEF BELIEVED TO BE KILLED DURING DRONE STRIKE Mustafa Abu al-Yazid, Al Qaeda’s chief of operations in Afghanistan, is believed to be dead following a recent round of drone strikes in Pakistan’s tribal region. The Egyptian militant has been reported as having close ties to both Osama bin Laden and Taliban leader Mullah Omar. (TheGuardian)CHINA, JAPAN SUPPORT NORTH KOREAN SANCTIONS, S. KOREA SAYS South Korean officials claim to have convinced both Japan and China to impose financial sanctions against North Korea, amid strong speculation that Pyongyang was behind the recent sinking of a South Korean warship. (BBC)

OBAMA TO MEET WITH OIL COMMISSION TODAY As BP continues its ongoing efforts to cap the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico, President Obama will meet with heads of a newly created commission to discuss alternative strategies to solving the crisis. Obama is also scheduled to make a public statement after meeting with Florida Senator Bob Graham and former EPA administrator William Reilly (CNN)

GERMANY TO ELECT NEW PRESIDENT ON JUNE 30A day after the shocking resignation of President Horst Koehler, the speaker of Germany’s parliament announces plans to elect a new president on June 30. The new president will be elected by an assembly of lawmakers and representatives from Germany’s 16 states. (AP)